User login

Navigation

Letters

The United States Lifesaving Association National Championships were recently held in Myrtle Beach, S.C., featuring the best lifeguards and athletes from across the country, including Hawaii. Los Angeles County, San Diego, California State Parks, Santa Cruz, Miami Beach, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Team Hawaii, Rehoboth Beach and Monmouth County, N.J., are just a few of the 65 beach patrols that participated.

It is with great pride that we share with the community another excellent performance by the Fenwick Island Beach Patrol and the Sussex County Lifesaving Association. All seven members of the FIBP received medals with the following results: Gold – Tim Ferry – Masters Beach Flags; Silver – Kelley Gonzalez – Women’s Beach Flags; Silver – Randy Vanderhook, Matt Lewis, Ben Gichner, Andrew Cordell-Carey – 4-by-100 relay.

The 4-by-100 relay team was attempting to repeat their gold medal performance from last year and came up literally an inch short. The finish was so close that it took over one hour for the judges to determine who finished first, Fenwick or Rehoboth Beach, with the final result being a silver medal for the FIBP.

One of the most crucial aspects of ocean lifeguarding is the ability to quickly transverse the sand and enter the water to rescue victims, and our guards have established themselves as some of the fastest in the country. All of the competitors should be commended for their hard work and effort as lifeguards and competitors.

This great accomplishment would not have been possible without the financial support from our community and businesses. We hope that you will share in the accolades that are well deserved. (in no particular order): Fenwick Island Town Council, Fenwick Island Beach Committee, Candy Kitchen, McCabe’s Gourmet Market, Mancini’s Restaurant, Paco Paradise, Shore Peddler, Rebel One, Village of Fenwick, Fenwick Islander Motel, Spinning Wheel, Catcus Café, Kleinstuber Realty, Hit The Deck, Island Art, Sands Motel, Mickey’s Crab House.

We thank you once again for you continued support and may the rest of your summer season be safe and enjoyable.

Tim Ferry, Captain
Fenwick Island Beach Patrol

Parsons has support of these voters
Editor:

We are writing to recommend Bob Parsons for election to the Town Council of Bethany Beach.

To many of us, Bob requires no introduction. He was raised in Bethany, and he has spent much of his life here. He is also no stranger to public service. He has had a seat on the Town Council in the mid-’80s, and then again a few years ago. During much of his 10-year tenure on the Council, he served as mayor or vice-mayor.

Bob has always been involved in the community. He has served as a church and Boy Scout leader and has also worked in legislative affairs at various levels. He uses his experience as a teacher to mentor the many foreign students who come to Bethany during the summers to work in our businesses, finding them loaner bicycles to ride and helping them get acclimated.

Bob is a “steady hand.” To many of us, he is “Mr. Beach Replenishment,” leading the effort to restore our beaches, dating back some 15 years. He continued that effort until its successful conclusion with the approval of federal funds for beach reconstruction scheduled for the fall of 2007, even after he left the Town Council in 2004.

We appreciate Bob’s dedication to the Town of Bethany Beach. We believe he will serve the needs of our community with passion and purpose. We urge you to cast your vote in his favor in the Bethany Beach Town Council election in September.

Robb and Liz Horstman
Bethany Beach and Edina, Minn.

Resident feels Parsons can do the job
Editor:

As the time approaches for electing candidates for the Bethany Beach Town Council, I would like to urge all voters to vote for Bob Parsons. I have known Bob since I first purchased a home in Bethany West 10 years ago. In that time, I have found him to be highly intelligent, very experienced in all phases of town government and a genuinely caring person.

Bob’s history of service to Bethany Beach is extensive. He served on the town council from 1984-1992 and 2002-2004. During that time, he was mayor from 1984-1991 and vice mayor in 1991-1992 and 2002-2004. During that period the town got a new charter, a water plant, rebuilt the boardwalk twice and obtained the first beach replenishment since 1962. Bob also has over 20 years service as the chairman of the Board of Adjustments.

As a further reflection of Bob’s leadership capabilities, I learned that he is a retired Delaware teacher and a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. He was also a church administration board president for 10 years and district chairman of the Sussex District of the Boy Scouts for three years.

Bob’s caring nature is exhibited in the many things he quietly does for friends and neighbors. That caring nature is further exemplified by his 15 years as a special education teacher. His creation of a “Bike Loaner Program” — loaning over 70 bicycles to foreign student workers — getting them to the emergency room and finding legal help for two boys who had not gotten paid is further evidence of Bob’s caring nature.

Bob Parsons is the ideal candidate for election to the town council, and I urge all voters to vote for him on Sept. 8, 2007.

Cliff Brennan
Bethany Beach

Reader feels that Olmstead deserves seat
Editor:

As one who has been involved in Bethany Beach’s government for the past 13 years (six years on the council, three as vice mayor, on most committees and presently serving on three committees), I am keenly aware and most appreciative when our town is fortunate to have individuals with leadership qualities occupying key positions in our government.

In this regard, all of us in Bethany should be grateful that we have one of these very special individuals in Mayor Carol Olmstead and be glad that we can vote to continue her in office for two more years. Her leadership as mayor has been responsible, in large part, for the successful efforts which will see our beach receive the needed replenishment this fall, the continuing enhancement of the historical and cultural activities that we all enjoy (e.g. craft shows, museum, etc.), the monthly civic workshops to involve townspeople in council activities and last, but certainly not the least, making the necessary financial decisions to successfully manage the town’s finances during the current turbulent real estate market which has impacted governments at every level.

As a new election on Sept. 8 is just ahead, most eligible voters may not really be familiar with the candidates and, of course, in any election those running for office all have qualifications to be admired. Thanks to Carol’s record and four years of service to Bethany, we are fortunate that we can not only vote for a candidate with outstanding qualifications but one that has already delivered on her promises.

For these past four years, Carol has been there in the front line leading the successful efforts that resulted in making Bethany the wonderful town that it is. Bethany continues as the finest family town on our coast, a town which has won awards for its floral beauty, that has acquired land which will be preserved for parks rather than used by developers, has a beautiful new bandstand and a town that is in excellent financial condition — not a bad place to be living and one we want to be sure will be managed the same way in the future.

Take a moment on Sept. 8 and support keeping our lovely town in the hands of the successful leadership we can count on — be sure to vote for Mayor Carol Olmstead.

Don Doyle
Bethany Beach

Young can do so much for Bethany Beach
Editor:

We are delighted to learn that Margaret Young is running for a seat on the Bethany Beach Council.

We have known Margaret for many, many years and have seen her dedication to the town. She is a longtime resident and has seen firsthand the good and the not so good things that affect the town.

She is honest, dependable and sincere; and was invaluable to me as secretary for the Women’s Civic Club for years and continues in that capacity to this date. She deserves a chance now to do more good for Bethany Beach, and we hope the voters give her the vote of confidence.

Maureen and Walter Dzur
Georgetown

Reader picks a full lineup of candidates
Editor:

The upcoming election in Bethany Beach may be one of the most important in some time because of the financial state of the town. How the town council “suddenly” discovered they had to raise taxes and do it in the dead of winter, I do not understand.

I chaired the Budget and Finance Committee for eight years. I was also a council member for eight years, and am chairman of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, a former non-resident and currently a resident.

The physical size of the town is still one square mile. The population is about the same. There are more non-residents who use their houses on many weekends all year round and more residents that head for Florida for several months.

Yet we have more town employees and vehicles. There are fewer non-residents serving on committees because the majority of the present council has meetings in the middle of the week. The two council members elected last year, Steve Wode and Tracy Mulligan, are only two votes out of seven.

We need some new ideas and more expertise. In public policy, finance and long time experience with the town and its people – resident and non-resident.

I urge residents and non-residents to vote for Joe Healy, Bob Parsons and Margaret Young. They will bring the experience this town needs.

Julia Jacobsen
Bethany Beach

Former mayor asks for significant voter turnout
Editor:

I urge all of the voters to cast their vote in our town election on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007. Our town needs representatives that are willing to address the current, as well as long-term, issues of our town and region.

This year there are four candidates running for three seats on our town council. Three of the four candidates running are new and one is a non-resident. I suggest all our citizens read the BBLA newsletter, where all candidates gave their biographies and their opinion to specific questions.

Lew Killmer and Wayne Fuller have decided not to seek re-election. Both Lew and Wayne have served with distinction, and I hope their advice and counsel will be utilized by future councils.

Again, please cast your vote in our election.

Joe McHugh, Retired Mayor
Bethany Beach

Let’s remember to think of troops
Editor:

Visitors have gone and children are back in school, but our military people need us more than ever. Let’s show that we appreciate their sacrifice — yes, it is for all of us that they are willing to make the biggest sacrifice, giving their life, so that we can enjoy our freedom.

When you shop, remember to pick up something for them. Recommendations include any kind of toiletry, sunscreen, deodorant, bug spray, hard candy, small cans of fruit or meat or nuts, coffee, razors (disposable), toothbrush and toothpaste, cotton socks, writing paper, pens, pencils and paperback books.

Remember, temperatures there reach 120 to 130 degrees, so water and phone cards are always a most welcome item, as well as playing cards, small games, puzzles, etc. These items can be taken to St. Ann’s Catholic Church (Father Masterson Hall) on Route 26 in Bethany Beach. Phone cards should be left in the office. Pick-up by the USO will be Oct. 9 or 10.

We thank you for your generosity and please keep all our military people and their families in your prayers. God bless this great country.

Gigi Vanderman
Bethany Beach

Steele endorses Parsons for council
Editor:

The question is, “Who do I vote for in this election for Town Council of Bethany Beach?”

The simple answer is Bob Parsons, a.k.a. Dr. James Robert Parsons.

Why?

Again the answer is simple: Bob Parsons has more experience with the workings of Bethany Beach than anyone else running. He has been on council for 10 years – eight years as mayor and two years as vice mayor. He is and has been on the Board of Adjustments for over 20 years. He has lobbied Congress and state officials for beach constructions for over 15 years and continues to do so. And because of his leadership efforts, we are getting beach replenishment for the first time since the nor’easter of 1962.

What else has he done as a leader?

He served as president of the Church Administrative Board for 10 years.

While in the Army Reserve, he was budget officer for the Signal Command.

He also served as spokesman for the Delaware Army National Guard.

Bob also ran the Bike Loaner Project for the foreign student workers, resulting in over 70 bikes being loaned out. He found legal help for two students who had not gotten paid and has taken others to the emergency room.

Bob also has represented the Town of Bethany Beach at the state legislature to pass a new town charter. Bob has been active and involved with the Town of Bethany Beach when not on the Council. I have served with Bob on Council and believe he is the best choice in this election.

Harry Steele
Bethany Beach

Resident believes Parsons is the choice
Editor:

Bethany Beach is one of Delaware’s precious gems, a place to enjoy both family values and nature’s beauty. The upcoming election in Bethany Beach is an important event for all of us who treasure this gem. I want to encourage all eligible voters to express their appreciation for the town by voting for the candidate that they feel will continue to steer us in the right direction.

A candidate that I feel is well worth your voting consideration is Bob Parsons. Bob has a deep love of Bethany Beach. He is a lifelong resident, and has already given freely of his time to the town as a member of council. He is an accomplished business professional with an MBA from the Wharton School of Business who changed careers to help special-needs students as a teacher. He was one of the people who successfully fought for the town at the national level for our beach reconstruction project.

While a very down to earth person, he is intelligent and, I might add, a darn good ocean kayaker. Bob understands the needs of our mature community, as well as the perspectives of both seasonal residents and full-time residents. Please do your own homework and learn more about Bob.

As a hybrid resident, a 50-year-plus seasonal resident of Bethany Beach from Pennsylvania, with family roots in Sussex County stretching back more generations than I can remember, thank you for participating in the election process.

Charles L. Boyle III
Bethany Beach

CIB benefit a huge hit, thanks to many
Editor:

On behalf of the board, staff and volunteers of the Center for the Inland Bays, I would like to thank everyone who supported our first Benefit for the Bays, Decked Out, on Thursday, Aug. 2. More than 125 individuals came out to enjoy desserts, drinks and steel drums on a beautiful evening at our Indian River Inlet facility.

We are so grateful for the overwhelming interest and support for this event from citizens and businesses throughout the watershed. In addition to corporate and individual sponsors, tickets sold extremely quickly, making this first-time deck party a sell-out.

Proceeds, which benefit the Center’s Endowment Fund, topped more than $10,000.

Everyone who contributed to and attended Decked Out had a hand in helping to support our mission to protect and preserve our Inland Bays and ensure that this work can continue. Thanks to all who were involved in making Decked Out a success. We hope you’ll join us at our next event.

Jess Gordon, Development Coordinator
Center for the Inland Bays

Again, volunteers help Cottage Tour
Editor:

The Friends of the South Coastal Library’s Beach and Bay Cottage Tour Committee once again did an outstanding job in producing the 16th annual tour. The event was sold out for the eighth year in a row. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the committee and the hundreds of volunteers who return to us each year to help make this event a great success — hostess coordinators, hostesses, ticket sellers, traffic coordinators, parkers, sign installers, flower arrangers and raffle sellers.

Of course, our tour would not be possible without the wonderful homeowners who allowed us access to their homes and the committee and I offer our sincere thanks to each of you. Peter and Linda Gallagher, Ralph and Barbara Brown, Bruce and Debbie Davis, Bernie and Beth Fensterwald, Dr. Greg Carson, Jeff and Marie Minner, Joe and Cindi LaPietra, Edmund and Gaetana McGill, Paul and Faith Denault, and Rafael and Brooke Steuart were all so gracious to share their homes with our tour-goers, enabling the Friends of the South Coastal Library to raise much needed funds to expand the services and facilities of our library and cultural center.

To the many advertisers represented in our booklet and on the tote bag, and also to the generous donors who made financial contributions, we send our sincere thanks and we hope we can count on your continued support in 2008.

Special thanks go to the six local organizations that helped us kick off our “Adopt-a-House” program for hostesses for the first time this year. The support and willingness of these groups to fill the homes with the organization’s members helped us tremendously. These groups are: Gardeners By the Sea, Ladies Auxiliary 7234 VFW, Ladies of the Forest and LaRosso Cappello — Red Hat Chapters, Lord Baltimore Women’s Club, Salt Pond Women’s Club and the South Bethany Women’s Club.

We also thank Father David Kelley for the use of the St. Ann’s Church parking lot for hostesses and the Bethany Beach Christian Church for the use of their parking lot to shuttle tour participants by bus to two of the tour homes. Thanks also go to the towns of Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, Selbyville and Ocean View and their police departments for helping with this event by cooperating with us concerning parking logistics for tour participants.

Thanks also go to the Beebe Medical Center for providing the booties for our tour-goers to wear. This is the third year that this donation has been made and we sincerely thank Beebe for this support.

Gov. Ruth Ann Minner graciously served as honorary chairman of the tour and has done so for the last four years. Her continued support of the South Coastal Library is greatly appreciated.

My personal thanks to Donna Repass, past chairman of the Beach and Bay Cottage tour for three years, for her guidance, support and preparing me for the task of assuming the position going forward.

Lastly, we would like to thank each and every person who attended the 16th annual tour. We truly hope that you enjoyed all of the homes as well as our lower Sussex County hospitality. We look forward to hosting you at next year’s tour, which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, July 23 and 24, 2008. Mark your calendars and be sure to make your reservations early as we continue to sell out every year.

Visit our Web site at www.foscl.com for more information on the tour and other upcoming events that will be held on behalf of the South Coastal Library and Cultural Center. Construction of the expansion of the library will begin late fall and we will have information on the web site about the progress of the construction as it takes place. Again, we thank you for your continued support.

Faith M. Denault, Chairman
2007 Beach and Bay Cottage Tour

Lipsett puts her support behind Young
Editor:

Margaret Young is a candidate for Bethany Beach Town Council who understands the workings of our town, Sussex County and our state, and is willing to listen.

Margaret knows how to form alliances, and she knows more about Bethany than any 10 people I know. She understands the value of open and honest communications that promote the common good of Bethany Beach. She’s a hard worker who understands the value of knowing what people want for their town.

It’s more than a breath of fresh air. It’s a steady breeze of common sense, openness, a willingness to listen and a proven desire to work for the common good of the town we all love so well. This council really needs a person with a long institutional memory who is willing to find the ways to open government up to its citizens once again.

That person is Margaret Young. I urge everyone to vote for her.

Lois F. Lipsett
Bethany Beach

Reader: We must back medical research
Editor:

For the more than 10 million people caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, there will be little rest this summer. For a disease that affects not just individuals, but entire families-there is little relief.

Today, there are more than 5 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease, and this is poised to soar to as many as 16 million by mid-century as the 78 million “baby boomers” enter the age of greatest risk. Caregivers to this growing population invest 8.5 billion hours worth $83 billion.

Science is closing in on ways to treat and prevent this terrible disease. But, the government is cutting back on its commitment to funding for Alzheimer’s research. Since 2003, federal funding for research at NIH has steadily declined both in real dollars and in failing to even keep pace with medical research inflation.

The only way to successfully combat Alzheimer’s disease is to accelerate the investment in medical research. Unfortunately, funding for research is diminishing at the same time that scientific breakthroughs are within reach.

Our leaders must vote for $125 million in additional funding to restore momentum and pursue the most promising research. Rep. Castle, Sen. Biden and Sen. Carper can play a critical role in ensuring more funding for research and guaranteeing vital supportive services are maintained for the many, many people in Delaware living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Health costs continue to consume more and more from federal dollars and costs related to Alzheimer’s will eventually take up the lion’s share of those funds.

We must aggressively confront this disease and see to it that our elected officials respond with the necessary funds for research.